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Fate of Cuba, Freitas to become clearer March 7 in Allied Veterans of the World case

Cuba, left, and Freitas at a March bond hearing.

SANFORD | A Seminole County judge Thursday told lawyers for Jacksonville's Nelson Cuba and Robbie Freitas and other defendants in the Allied Veterans of the World gambling scandal to tell him on March 7 whether they have a plea bargain pending or want a trial.

Circuit Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. indicated he expected at least two people to go to trial and said a fall date is likely to be set. Cuba and Freitas, both former top guns at the police union, were not mentioned as being either of the two, but it's unclear what that means. The attorneys and Lester did not go into further detail.

About 27 people still face a possible trial in the racketeering and money-laundering case, while about 30 people have already entered into plea bargains and won't serve jail time.

Lester sentenced Jacksonville attorney Kelly Mathis Wednesday to six years in prison as the mastermind behind the $300 million gambling ring involving gaming centers that posed as charities while the organizers profited from the proceeds. Mathis is free on bond as he awaits the appellate process to unfold.

The arrests led to a ban on online gaming centers and the resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll, who was connected to Allied Veterans but never charged with a crime. Mathis is the only defendant to go on trial.

Cuba, who was president of the Fraternal Order of Police in Jacksonville for 10 years, faces about 200 counts in the racketeering and money-laundering investigation that involved 57 defendants. Freitas, former first vice president of the union, faces similar counts. Neither man was in court Thursday, but Lester said they should be at the March 7 hearing.

One part of the wide-ranging probe involved the local Fraternal Order of Police Foundation, where warrants were served and documents seized. Some details have not been revealed about that evidence.

Authorities seized $56,000 in cash and $5 million in Iraqi dinar ($4,300 in U.S. dollars) from a safe deposit box owned by Cuba as part of the investigation. Police have seized several of his bank accounts as well, but affidavits didn’t say how much was in those accounts.

Jim Schoettler: (904) 359-4385

MORE COVERAGE IN CONNECTION WITH THE ALLIED VETERANS OF THE WORLD INVESTIGATION